Evaluation of morphological and production characteristics and nutritive value of 47 lucerne cultivars/lines in temperate Australia

ABSTRACT Forty-seven lucerne varieties/lines were examined to quantify their morphological, production characteristics, and nutritive values in southeastern Australia. The experiment was established in 2015 with a randomized complete block design and four replications. The morphological and production characteristics were measured from January to October 2017, and nutritive values were measured in February 2017. The results showed that the cultivars differed significantly (P < 0.01) in morphological, production characteristics, and nutritive values. Total herbage yield was highest for Haymaster 7 (14,186 kg/ha) and lowest for Qingshui (5927 kg/ha). Plant height was highest for Cropper 9.5 (31.4 cm) and lowest for Qingshui (14.5 cm). SF 714QL had the greatest branch number (44.7 branches/15 cm row segment). AV1001 had longest leaf (2.3 cm) and greatest leaf area (16.68 cm2/10 leaves) whereas Force 10 and SARDI 10 SERIES 2 had widest leaves (1.3 cm). AV1005 had the highest leaf-to-stem ratio (5.64). Crude protein (CP) content was highest for SARDI 10 SERIES 2 (15.1%) and lowest for SF 714QL (8.0%). AV12 was highest in crude fat (4.5%). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content was lowest in Stamina 5 (33.5%). Acid detergent fiber (ADF) content was lowest in Gannong 4 (29.3%). Relative feed value (RFV) was highest in Force 11 (193.0%). Calcium (Ca) content was highest for Titan 5 (1.8%). Phosphorous content was highest for AV1 and Gannong 6 (0.1%). Overall, Cropper 9.5, SARDI 10 SERIES 2, Haymaster 9, Titan 9, SF 714QL, Kaituna, Haymaster 7, AV1001, AV1002, and WL925HQ performed well based on their comprehensive scores. Graphical Abstract Abbreviations: CP - crude protein; CF - crude fat; NDF - neutral detergent fiber; ADF - acid detergent fiber; Ca - calcium; P - phosphorus; RFV - relative feed value